Secrecy on the Internet is an Falsehood’: Aussie Teen Faces Charges Over Reported Active Shooter False Report in United States
A teenager from NSW has been charged following accusations he making multiple false reports to 911 operators – a practice called “SWATting” – wrongly stating gun violence incidents were happening at major retail and educational institutions in the US.
Global Investigation Results in Legal Action
The Australian federal police charged the boy on 18 December. Authorities allege he is a member of an alleged loosely organised internet-based network of offenders operating from behind computer screens in order to trigger an “rapid and large-scale emergency response”.
“Commonly young males between the ages of 11 to 25, are engaging in activities like swatting calls, doxxing and cyber attacks to gain status, a reputation and acknowledgement in their internet circles.”
In connection with the investigation, police took possession of several digital devices and a banned gun found in the young person’s home. This action was part of Taskforce Pompilid formed in late 2025.
Officials Deliver a Stark Warning
Graeme Marshall, commenting broadly, warned that people thinking they can carry out offenses with an internet connection and encrypted identities were on notice.
The AFP confirmed it initiated its probe following tip-offs from US federal agents.
Jason Kaplan, from the FBI's international wing, said that the “risky and disturbing crime” of fake emergency calls put lives at risk and drained vital public safety assets.
“This investigation shows that secrecy online is an illusion,” he said in a shared press release with authorities.
He added, “Our commitment is to working with our Australian counterparts, our overseas colleagues, and industry experts to find and hold accountable individuals that abuse the internet to cause harm to the public.”
Legal Process
The accused has been indicted on multiple counts of telecommunications offences and a further count of illegal possession of a banned gun. He could face up to a decade and a half in a correctional facility.
“The AFP’s commitment (is|remains) to halting the distress and pain individuals of this online crime network are imposing on the community, while laboring under the illusion they are hidden,” Marshall said.
The boy was scheduled to appear in a NSW juvenile court on Tuesday.
